Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games Sets a Zero Tolerance Standard Against Abuse and Harassment

In a milestone for sport in the region, safeguarding is being integrated into every aspect of a Pacific Games for the first time, from pre-Games training to on-ground support during the event. This year's Pacific Mini Games in Palau feature close to 2,000 athletes and officials representing 23 national and territorial teams across 12 sports. This commitment to a safe Games environment for all athletes, officials and spectators is made possible through a collaboration between the Pacific Games Council, the Palau Games Organising Committee, and the Australian Government’s Team Up program.

In response to a direct request from the Pacific Games Council, Team Up has provided comprehensive safeguarding support, including the development of a Safeguarding Strategy, education and awareness with team officials and athletes, establishing multi-channel reporting and providing on-the-ground safeguarding support through trained Pacific safeguarding personnel. Leading this initiative is Roshika Deo, Team Up’s Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Safeguarding Advisor.

Thanks to the leadership and steps taken by the Pacific Games Council, this Mini Games also feature a safeguarding officer embedded within each national team delegation. Complementing this is the Safe Games Team, made up of four regional Safeguarding Champions from Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, host nation Palau, and Roshika Deo who in the capacity of the Games Safeguarding Manager is leading the team. Together, they are working with local service providers and the safeguarding officers from each nation to create awareness, ensure there are clear processes in place for reporting and responding to incidents.

The focus on safeguarding at the Games is also being emphasised through the Voices of the Athletes program delivered by the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC), where safeguarding awareness will be provided to athletes along with messaging on wellbeing to reinforce the five core program pillars of Play Safe, Stay Healthy, Play True, Go Green, and Be A Leader.

According to the Pacific Games Council's Chief Executive Officer Andrew Minogue, “This is the first time safeguarding has been integrated at this scale into a Pacific Games, and it’s a huge step forward for the region. We’ve not only built systems but also strengthened the skills of people across 23 countries to look out for each other, especially for the younger athletes, making these Games safer and more inclusive for everyone.”

Australian Ambassador to Palau, Toby Sharpe, said: “The Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games are a celebration of regional unity and sporting excellence. Australia is proud to support the Games by helping ensure they are safe, inclusive, and accessible for all. This initiative will provide a new benchmark at the Pacific Games moving forward, demonstrating safeguarding is a necessity at all levels, improving the Games experience for all involved.”

This safeguarding support complements broader assistance provided by the Australian Government, including the financial and logistical backing for a deployment of Pacific Police Support Group officers, under the Pacific Policing Initiative. The deployment includes 21 police officers from 12 Pacific nations who are assisting Palau’s law enforcement agencies maintain a safe and secure Games.

Summer Saunders, Safeguarding Champion for Palau, added: “It means a lot to be part of this initiative here in my home country. We want every participant to feel they belong and are protected—this is not just about sport; it’s about dignity, respect, and inclusion. The experience of delivering safe sport in the Pacific Games is a legacy for Palau to ensure future athletes can compete in a safe sport environment.”

Roshika Deo also commented, “This initiative is a testament to our collective commitment to safeguarding in sports. It sends a strong message to all stakeholders that we need to work as a team to create a supportive and enabling environment, so people feel safe and comfortable to report incidents. By embedding safeguarding practices in all the games processes, we are setting a new standard for future events in the region and ensuring safeguarding is at the forefront of all major sporting events in our region.”